OUr coaches​

Our Program

Kids Run the Nation- (KRTN), is a customized running program for young athletes ages 4-14 (we are happy to accept 3 & 4 year olds who are eager to run too!), infused with a healthy dose of FUN!Each session includes specific goals to help our young athletes run with better form; run more comfortably and gain confidence in themselves and their athletic ability.

We LOVE running--We encourage, motivate and challenge your young athlete.

We teach "Running 101". Emphasizing the fundamentals of running: Correct form and pacing.

We compete. Within our groups and in our own KRTN meet--and against other running clubs locally & regionally.

Our athletes learn that running as a sport is a blast! And that it forms the foundation for all other sports--and a healthy life.

Our Coaches

Billy Block​Program Director/Head Coach:Life long runner and running/sport enthusiast!40+ years (really??!) of running and competing in races from 400m to 26.2 miles--along with many sprint & Olympic distance triathlons--and it's still a thrill every time I line up to race!I am fortunate to have competed in some the biggest and best races in the country including the NYC Marathon, Boston Marathon, Marine Corps. Marathon, Country Music Half, Chicago Half literally hundreds of 5k & 10k race--and this area's own Wrightsville Beach Marathon--numerous times. I am extremely grateful for the fantastic coaching along the way that helped me achieve so many dreams & goals. I am even more grateful for the opportunity to coach young athletes in the sport I love.

​Kristin Anne Wolff Gatoux, PhD

When asked to write a biography, I recognized this to be of no simple task. The writer, coach, and psychologist in me must simply state that I am here to assist others in finding their rainbow. First, I would have to ask what that rainbow means to you. Further, will you recognize your true souls’ desire to access this magical appearance of beauty set before you? Will you say yes to you and no to others’ desires for you? Only before you can recognize your unique being will you be able to find your rainbow. By looking within you can access you true self. We may use things such as running, yoga, mindfulness meditation, music, art or other avenues to help access who we truly are.

Running is one way I am able to obtain a sense of clarity of being. A freedom emerges opening doorways to questions that need answers. I see the sky open up rendering rainbows of light to appear and soothe my soul. Running has always been about bringing a life long wellness to my mind, body and spirit. Further, I always incorporate whole unaltered foods, yoga and meditation into my daily life practice. Writing, art and music furthers a deepening into my soul and lets it soar.

Come and learn how to soar with me!From my heart to yours, -Kristin

(P.S.- I ran Division 1 Cross Country for Hofstra University turning down an offer from UNC-W to run Cross Country, Winter and Spring Track. As a native New Yorker, I was unfamiliar with the wonders Wilmington had to offer. Fate had other plans for me, as it has been calling me since. I am now not able to leave for my sheer desire of its magnificence.)

Rob Ward​Coach (Racer Extraordinaire/2017 Boston Marathon Time 2:54:56) I’m a runner and triathlete born and raised in England. I moved to Wilmington with my wife Clair in August 2015. We are both Elementary school teachers; I currently work at Alderman Elementary in 2nd Grade. Clair is 3rd Grade Teacher at The Friends School of Wilmington. I came quite late to running, and ran my first 10k in 2010 whilst living in South Korea with Clair. We were teaching English as a second language and embraced the running scene in South Korea: they are obsessive runners! More recently, I spent my last two years in England (2013-2015) training with a local Triathlon club, I completed numerous races at Sprint and Olympic distance. Highlights were racing in London at The ITU World Championship Sprints and completing Ironman 70.3 UK ( The toughest half distance course in the world- think 15% gradient hills!). After moving to Wilmington, I dedicated myself to running, joining the Wilmington Road Runners, breaking all my PRs (5k 16’56’’ and 10k 35’58’’- Cardinal Strut/ Half- 1’19’.36 - Battleship ). My career running highlight has been completing the Boston Marathon in both 2017 and 2018. I finished, last year, with a PR 2'54'56 in the howling wind and rain ..what an amazing race experience that was! This year, I'm switching back to triathlon; come and chat to me about my training for Ironman Texas in April! I love combining my elementary teaching experience with my passion for running and look forward to assisting Coach Billy, Andrew , Kristen and Claire in inspiring the next generation of runners.

​Andrew Wilson​Coach (and Ultra/Trail specialist)

Coach Cheryl

Cheryl McCormick has been in the sport community almost her entire life. She ran cross country in college, played basketball, was a cheerleader, and ran cross country and track in high school. Winning several awards in sports, she always knew that she would engage in the sport community throughout her life. Attending the number one sports university in the U.S., Cheryl graduated with her B.S.S. in sports science and will be finishing her dual master’s degree in sports medicine and sports science with an emphasis in sports psychology in 2019. Immediately following completion of her master’s degree, she will be moving forward into a doctoral program where she will focus on her receiving an E.d.D to become a college professor in sports medicine. Currently, Cheryl focuses on her organization, Gravitational Performance. This organization was designed to consult and educate collegiate, elite, and professional athletes around the world in sports science- focusing on three very important areas: sports nutrition, sports medicine, and sports psychology. Working with world class coaches, Cheryl is eager to implement the material she has learned from all of them, and to continue her education and focus on implementing imagery techniques to assist athletes in bettering performance, both mentally and physically.

Kids Run the Nation Wilmington NC 910.795-1704 "The Most Fun Running Around!"